The 7 Best Yachts from the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show

Walking away from the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show, one thing is certain: this was one of the best years in the show’s history. Over 120 of the world’s best superyachts were on display with a total estimated value in the billions of US dollars.

Around 40,000 visitors took in the sights at this year’s show, witnessing some of the craziest design displays we have ever seen – with boats sporting everything from vintage motorbikes encased in glass to deployable submarines.

Here are the seven must-see vessels from Monaco 2016.

1. Galactica Super Nova

It would be a mistake to start with anything other than the best-in-show. The Galactica Super Nova wowed everyone this year, earning the show’s top prize in addition to several other honours. The 230-foot vessel features a beautiful exterior designed by internationally acclaimed designer Espen Øino and is the largest yacht ever built by Heesen. It boasts a revolutionary fast displacement hull, fixed-pitch propellers and a Rolls Royce central booster jet. On board you’ll find a six-metre swim jet infinity pool with a glass-panelled bottom, 146-square-metre beach club and helipad.

2. Arrow460-Granturismo

Not a superyacht by a long stretch, but this stunning collaboration between yacht maker Silver Arrows Marine and Mercedes-Benz Style – the non-automotive side of Mercedes – can’t be missed. What it lacks in opulent deck space and personal pools it makes up for with raw speed (38 knots) and Bond villain appeal. The 48-foot yacht boasts a beautiful interior too – looking more like a comfortable lounge than a typical cabin.

3. 131 Yacht

131 Yacht from Sunseeker was a major contender for best exterior design at this year’s show – an award won by the overall winner Galactica Super Nova. The interior of the vessel comes in a wide range of configurations thanks to Sunseeker’s Bespoke division, and can accommodate up to 12 guests over five cabins depending on what configuration you choose. The 131-foot yacht maxes out at an impressive 25 knots, making it a solid choice for long journeys.

4. Flying Dragon

As far as we know there is no “Best Name” award at the Monaco Boat Show, but if there was, Flying Dragon would get our vote. The 147-foot yacht combines classic Italian style with a dash of Oriental charm. The stunning blue exterior is accented by an interior flooded with onyx, marble and lacquered Tabu-Lati wood. The vessel’s 93-square-metre deck includes a Jacuzzi, sunpads, a bar and dining area.

5. Lady May

Hailed by Boat International as one of the most innovative 46-metre superyachts ever built, Lady May by Feadship is a 151-foot custom boat that looks like it could substitute for a naval destroyer in a heartbeat. The vessel’s structure is the work of internationally acclaimed naval architecture firm Dubois, and has won several design awards since first entering the world in 2014. The yacht comfortably hosts 10 guests over five cabins – one master, one double and two twin rooms.

6. Scorpion

The 150-foot Scorpion from Sanlorenzo is a simply stunning vessel, and is currently the flagship product from the manufacturer. Its spacious stern area houses a beach club, fitness gym and personal spa. One of the hallmarks of the yacht is the addition of an entirely new deck below its lower deck, which has never been seen before in a boat of this size. The yacht is designed for long journeys with total self-sufficiency – lasting 3,500 nautical miles between refuels.

7. Okto

For our money, the Okto from Moran Yachts is one of the most beautiful luxury vessels we have ever seen. It is a fully custom 217-foot yacht that went on sale right after the Monaco Yacht Show ended – still available as of writing. The yacht features six cabins to accommodate 11 guests, and requires a whopping 17-person crew to keep everything running smooth. But if you have over US$60 million laying around to buy this thing that’s probably not an issue.